Scioto Downs - Your Columbus Entertainment Spot
Imagine a place where the thundering hooves of horses meet the exciting sounds of a gaming floor, all in one spot. That, you know, is pretty much what you find at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio. It’s a spot that’s been around for a good while, giving folks a chance to experience something truly unique, a combination of classic horse racing excitement and modern entertainment. It’s, in a way, a little world all its own, offering a bit of everything for a fun day or night out.
This isn't just any old place; it’s Ohio's very first spot of its kind, blending the thrill of live harness racing with a really big area full of games. For years, people have come here to see the races, but now, there’s so much more to discover. It’s a destination that has grown and changed over time, always aiming to give visitors a memorable experience, whether they’re there for the racing action or to try their luck at the games.
So, if you’re ever looking for a place that offers something a little different, where you can feel the pulse of a live event and then maybe try your hand at some of the latest games, Scioto Downs really fits the bill. It’s a place that, honestly, brings together a couple of different kinds of fun under one roof, making it a spot worth checking out for many reasons.
Table of Contents
- What Is Scioto Downs All About?
- The History of Scioto Downs - How It All Began
- What Can You Do at Scioto Downs Beyond the Races?
- A Look at the Gaming Experience at Scioto Downs
- Planning Your Visit to Scioto Downs
- Where Is Scioto Downs Located?
- The Racing Season at Scioto Downs
- The People Behind the Scenes at Scioto Downs
What Is Scioto Downs All About?
Scioto Downs, which you might also know as Eldorado Scioto Downs, is basically a really big entertainment place located in Columbus, Ohio. It’s a spot that, you know, brings together a couple of different kinds of fun: live harness horse racing and a big area for gaming. It’s pretty much a one-stop shop for a lot of people looking for something to do, offering a mix of classic sports excitement and modern casino-style games. It’s owned and run by Caesars Entertainment, which, as a matter of fact, tells you a little something about the kind of experience you can expect.
When you get there, you’ll find that it’s not just about the races. There’s a whole lot more going on. You can watch the horses run, sure, but there’s also a vast gaming floor with, like, over 2,200 different games. This means there’s pretty much something for everyone, whether you’re into the fast pace of racing or the different kinds of gaming machines. It’s open all the time, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, so you can pretty much pop in whenever you feel like it.
Beyond the main attractions, Scioto Downs also has a bunch of places to eat and drink, which, honestly, makes it a complete outing. You can grab a meal, have a snack, or just enjoy a beverage while you’re there. They even have, like, special areas for VIPs and information for those involved with the horses, so it really tries to cover all the bases for its visitors. It’s a place that, in some respects, has grown to be a real hub for entertainment in the area, drawing people from all over to experience what it has to offer.
The History of Scioto Downs - How It All Began
The story of Scioto Downs, you know, goes back quite a ways. It first opened its doors way back in 1959, and back then, it was simply known as the Scioto Downs Track. For many years, it was primarily a horse racing track, a place where people would gather to watch the harness races and, you know, enjoy the sport. It was, in a way, a cornerstone for racing fans in the Columbus area, building a reputation over decades for its thrilling events.
Then, something really significant happened on June 1, 2012. That’s when Scioto Downs became Ohio’s very first "racino." What that means, basically, is that they added video lottery terminals, or VLTs, to the property. This was a big change, as it brought a whole new kind of entertainment to the venue, blending the traditional horse racing with the excitement of gaming. This move, you know, really changed the game for the place, making it much more than just a track.
Over time, the ownership of Scioto Downs has changed a few times. It was once owned by MTR Gaming Group, but now, it’s part of the Caesars Entertainment family. This change in ownership, you know, often brings new features and improvements, making sure the place stays current and appealing to visitors. It’s a location that has, in some respects, seen a lot of history, growing from a simple race track to the large entertainment complex it is today, pretty much always adapting to what people are looking for in terms of fun.
Interestingly, the track itself was, like, annexed by Columbus from Hamilton Township at some point. This means that while it might feel a little bit rural, it’s actually within the city limits of Columbus, Ohio. This location, you know, south of the main city, gives it a bit of a unique feel, combining the open space often associated with horse racing with the accessibility of being near a major city. So, it’s got this kind of dual identity, which, honestly, adds to its character.
What Can You Do at Scioto Downs Beyond the Races?
While the live harness racing is a big draw at Scioto Downs, you know, there’s actually a whole lot more to keep you busy. It’s not just about watching the horses run around the track. For starters, if you’re into horse racing but maybe the live races aren’t happening when you visit, you can still get your fix with simulcasting. This means you can watch and, like, wager on races happening at other tracks, which is pretty cool if you’re a fan of the sport. It’s a way to keep the racing excitement going, even when the local horses are resting.
Then, there’s the dining experience. Scioto Downs has, you know, a number of places where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink. Whether you’re looking for a full meal or just a quick snack, there are options available. This means you can pretty much spend an entire day or evening there without having to leave the property for food, which is, honestly, very convenient. They also have bars, so you can enjoy a beverage while you’re watching the races or playing games.
Beyond that, they sometimes have live music, which, as a matter of fact, adds another layer of entertainment to the place. It’s a nice touch that, you know, can make your visit even more enjoyable, giving you a chance to listen to some tunes while you’re taking a break from the gaming or racing action. It’s all part of the effort to make Scioto Downs a place where you can find different kinds of fun, pretty much all in one location.
And if you’re planning to stay overnight, it’s worth noting that there’s a Hampton Inn & Suites connected right to the property. This is, you know, super handy if you’re coming from out of town or just want to make a full weekend out of your visit. It means you don’t have to worry about travel after a fun evening, which, honestly, takes a bit of stress out of the whole experience. So, yeah, it’s really set up to be a pretty complete entertainment destination.
A Look at the Gaming Experience at Scioto Downs
When you step into the gaming area at Scioto Downs, you’ll find yourself in a really big space, something like 120,000 square feet, which, you know, is quite expansive. This area is packed with video lottery terminals, or VLTs, and there are, like, over 2,200 of them. This means you have a huge selection of games to choose from, ranging from penny games to those with higher limits. It’s, in a way, designed to offer something for pretty much everyone, regardless of what kind of game you prefer or what your budget might be.
They really try to keep things fresh, too. The information suggests they have "the world's hottest games" and "the industry’s best games," which, honestly, implies they’re always updating their selection. This means you’re likely to find the newest and most popular titles, so you’re not just playing the same old things every time you visit. It’s a place where, you know, the gaming experience is always evolving, trying to give you something new and exciting to try out.
The atmosphere on the gaming floor is, well, it’s what you’d expect from a busy place like this. There’s a certain energy in the air, with the sounds of the machines and people having a good time. It’s open all the time, 24/7, so you can, you know, pop in for a bit of gaming whenever the mood strikes, whether that’s in the middle of the day or late at night. This kind of accessibility is, as a matter of fact, a big plus for many visitors.
And if you’re someone who likes to get a little something extra for your play, Scioto Downs is part of the Caesars Rewards program. This means that as you play, you can earn points and, like, get access to different perks and benefits. It’s a way for them to show appreciation to their regular visitors, which, honestly, makes the experience a little more rewarding. So, yeah, the gaming side of Scioto Downs is pretty comprehensive, offering a lot of choices and a pretty lively environment.
Planning Your Visit to Scioto Downs
Thinking about heading to Scioto Downs? It’s pretty straightforward to plan your trip. First off, admission and parking are free, which, you know, is always a nice bonus. You don’t have to worry about extra costs just to get in the door or find a spot for your car, which, honestly, makes it a bit easier to decide to go. This kind of openness, in some respects, makes it a very welcoming place for everyone.
If you’re interested in the live racing, you’ll want to check their schedule. The racing season typically runs from around May 8 through September 13, with races usually starting at 5:45 PM Eastern time. However, it’s always a good idea to check their official live racing schedule, as times and dates can, you know, sometimes change. They also offer free programs for each live racing day, which is a pretty cool perk, giving you all the info you need for the races. This was something they tried on a trial basis and then, like, committed to, which shows they listen to their visitors.
For those involved with the horses, like horsemen, there’s a specific area on their website for information. This is, you know, where you can stay up to date on everything related to race day at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs. It’s a dedicated resource, which, honestly, shows they support the racing community. So, whether you’re a casual visitor or someone deeply involved in the sport, they pretty much have resources to help you plan.
And if you’re looking for things to do nearby, the area around Scioto Downs, even though it’s a bit rural, is still close enough to Columbus to offer other attractions. You can find fine dining, other entertainment options, and more in the greater Columbus area. So, you know, you could easily make a whole day or even a weekend out of your visit, combining the fun at Scioto Downs with exploring other parts of Columbus. It’s a location that, as a matter of fact, serves as a good base for broader exploration.
Where Is Scioto Downs Located?
Scioto Downs is located at 6000 South High Street, PO Box 7823, Columbus, Ohio 43207. So, you know, that’s the address you’d plug into your GPS if you’re heading there. While it has a Columbus address, it’s actually situated in a somewhat rural part of Franklin County, just south of the main city. This gives it a bit of a spacious feel, which, honestly, works well for a horse racing track.
It’s interesting because, as mentioned before, the track was, like, annexed by Columbus from Hamilton Township at one point. This means it’s officially within the city of Columbus, even if the immediate surroundings might feel a little more open than a bustling city center. This location, you know, makes it accessible for people living in and around Columbus, while still providing the kind of setting that suits a large entertainment venue with outdoor racing.
Being in Columbus, Ohio, means it’s pretty easy to get to from various parts of the state and even neighboring areas. Columbus itself is a fairly central location in Ohio, so getting to Scioto Downs usually isn’t too much of a hassle for many people. It’s, in a way, a well-placed spot for a regional entertainment destination, drawing visitors from a pretty wide area. So, yeah, finding it shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most folks.
The Racing Season at Scioto Downs
The live harness racing at Scioto Downs is a really big deal for many people, and the racing season is something many look forward to. Typically, the races kick off around May 8 and continue through to about September 13. This gives you, you know, a good chunk of the year to catch some live racing action. The post time, which is when the first race usually starts, is often 5:45 PM Eastern time, unless they say otherwise. It’s a pretty consistent schedule during the season.
They usually have full cards of races, especially on opening night and throughout the season. This means you’ll get to see a good number of races on any given day you visit during the season, which, honestly, adds to the excitement. For more than 40 years, this track has been a place for thrilling harness racing, building a long history of competitive events and memorable moments. It’s, in a way, a tradition for many racing fans.
If you’re really into the racing, you can find all sorts of information on their site, like track details, best bets, and daily selections. They also provide race results, programs, statistics, and replays, which, you know, is pretty comprehensive for anyone who wants to follow the sport closely. It’s a place that, as a matter of fact, really caters to the racing community, providing all the tools you might need to enjoy the races and perhaps even make some informed wagers.
The opening of the race season is often a special event, with many races scheduled to get things going. For instance, the 2025 season was set to start with 16 races on opening night, which, honestly, sounds like a lot of action right from the start. This kind of dedication to a robust racing schedule is, you know, what makes Scioto Downs a premier destination for horse racing in Columbus for over 50 years. It’s a place that has, in some respects, stood the test of time in the racing world.
The People Behind the Scenes at Scioto Downs
Running a place like Scioto Downs takes a lot of effort from many people. There are folks like the director of racing, Jason, who are responsible for making sure the racing side of things runs smoothly. It’s people like him who make decisions about things like offering free programs for live racing days, which, as a matter of fact, was a trial that turned into a permanent feature because it was so well-received. This kind of attention to visitor experience, you know, really makes a difference.
Being owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment means there’s a big team supporting the venue. This ownership, you know, often brings a certain level of professionalism and resources to the table, ensuring that the facilities are well-maintained and the operations are top-notch. It’s a big company, so they tend to have a lot of experience in the entertainment business, which, honestly, benefits a place like Scioto Downs.
The staff there, from those working the gaming floor to those helping with the racing events and the dining options, all contribute to the overall experience. It’s their work that makes the place run efficiently and helps visitors have a good time. So, you know, while you see the big buildings and the exciting events, there’s a whole team of people working behind the scenes to make it all happen, pretty much every day.
They also have a loyalty program, the Caesars Rewards program, which is managed by the larger organization. This program is, in a way, a testament to how they value their regular visitors, giving them perks and benefits for their continued patronage. It’s a system that, you know, encourages people to come back and enjoy all that Scioto Downs has to offer, making it a place that, honestly, tries to build a lasting connection with its audience.
So, that’s a pretty good look at Scioto Downs. It’s a unique spot in Columbus, Ohio, where you can catch live harness racing, enjoy a huge gaming area with thousands of VLTs, and find plenty of dining options. It’s been around since 1959, evolving into Ohio’s first racino in 2012, and is now part of Caesars Entertainment. You can find race information, wagering tips, and even stay at a connected hotel. They offer free admission and parking, and their racing season runs from May through September. It’s really a place that brings together different kinds of fun for a complete entertainment experience.
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